Strong Calls in Austria to Grant Citizenship at Birth to Children of Long-Term Foreign Residents

Human rights organizations and welfare groups in Austria have launched a nationwide campaign demanding automatic citizenship at birth for children of foreign nationals who have been legally residing in the country for an extended period. The initiative has sparked a new debate in Austrian politics. The prominent human rights organization SOS Mitmensch, in cooperation with major welfare organizations such as Diakonie, Caritas and Volkshilfe, as well as the influential Chamber of Labour (AK), has launched a campaign titled “Born Here” (Hier geboren).

The campaigners argue that children born in Austria, educated in its schools and raised speaking German should be recognized as Austrian citizens from birth on an equal basis with other children. The campaign calls for Austria to introduce a birthright citizenship system similar to Germany’s, under which children would automatically receive citizenship at birth if at least one parent had been legally residing in the country for the previous five years.

The campaign comes amid criticism that Austria’s existing citizenship laws are among the strictest in the European Union. Austria adheres firmly to the centuries-old principle of jus sanguinis, or citizenship by descent, under which being born in the country does not guarantee citizenship. A child generally qualifies for Austrian citizenship at birth only if at least one parent is already an Austrian citizen.

Immigrants seeking citizenship through the regular naturalization process may face a lengthy wait of 10 to 15 years, rigorous background checks, substantial fees and demanding monthly income requirements. Furthermore, Austria generally restricts dual citizenship, leaving even foreign nationals who have lived in the country for decades and paid taxes legally unable to secure citizenship automatically for their children.

Statistics highlight the scale of the issue, particularly in the capital, Vienna, where more than one in five children born are reportedly classified as foreign nationals at birth, despite having only a formal connection to their parents’ country of origin. The situation has contributed to what campaigners describe as a serious “democratic deficit.” More than 30 percent of Vienna’s adult population reportedly lacks citizenship and is therefore excluded from voting in general elections. To raise public awareness, campaign activists organize symbolic elections known as the “Pass Egal Wahl” during electoral periods. In these events, foreign residents cast symbolic votes to demonstrate that excluding such a large section of society from decisions affecting the country runs counter to democratic values.

Politically, the campaign has divided opinion into two distinct camps. The Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) and the Green Party support reforms to the citizenship system, including birthright citizenship for children of long-term foreign residents, arguing that such changes could promote social cohesion. In contrast, the governing conservative Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and the right-wing nationalist Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) strongly oppose the proposed changes. They maintain that an Austrian passport is neither a gift nor an act of charity, but rather a final recognition of full integration into society and demonstrated loyalty. They argue that relaxing the requirements would not serve the country’s interests. The dispute has become a major debate over Austria’s future, national identity and the fundamental rights of millions of people with migrant backgrounds.